I read with great interest the recent article by Steo Wall in the March 20th edition of The Clare Champion, reflecting on Louis Theroux’s latest documentary, Inside the Manosphere, now available on Netflix.
Theroux’s exploration of the so-called “manosphere” shines a light on a growing online subculture largely aimed at young men. In it, he revisits themes familiar from his earlier work—cult-like followings, misogyny, pornography, and racism—now converging in digital spaces where self-styled influencers position themselves as mentors. Through podcasts, livestreams and social media, they offer advice on dating, success and personal status, often promoting distorted views of masculinity built on dominance and resentment.
As Wall rightly points out, this raises deeper concerns about the state of male identity today. These concerns are echoed in the widespread discussion surrounding the Netflix series Adolescence, which has drawn particular attention within the education sector in Ireland and Britain. Increasingly, teachers and parents are asking what kind of messages young men are absorbing—and what alternatives are being offered.
The language we now use reflects the scale of the issue. Terms like “toxic masculinity,” “incel culture,” “red-pill philosophy,” and “alpha behaviour” have entered everyday conversation. Beneath these labels lies a more troubling reality: many young men appear to be struggling with questions of identity, purpose and belonging.
At local level, this struggle is reflected in persistently high suicide rates among young males. This alone should give us pause. What is driving this sense of isolation or meaninglessness? Why are some young men turning to online spaces that reinforce anger and division rather than the offering of support or hope?
Part of the answer may lie in broader cultural shifts. In an age marked by individualism, declining religious practice, and the relentless pressures of digital life, many traditional sources of identity and guidance have weakened. Social media and algorithm-driven content can amplify extreme voices, while the constant presence of technology makes it harder for young people to reflect, communicate, and form healthy relationships.
At the same time, there are signs—encouraging ones—that a different response is emerging. A recent documentary by Ennis native, Colm Flynn, aired on RTÉ, suggests a growing interest in faith among younger people in Ireland. Notably, this appears to include many young men. This raises an important question: why is Catholicism, in particular, attracting fresh members of Generation Z? Nationwide there has been a great increase in candidates who are seeking to be baptised as adults, signing on for the OCIA courses, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
One possible answer can be found in a recent publication: The Catholic Gentleman: Living Authentic Manhood Today by Sam Guzman. Published by Ignatius Press, the book offers a clear and accessible vision of what Guzman calls “virtuous manhood,” rooted in the enduring wisdom of the Catholic tradition.
Across 32 short chapters, Guzman addresses many of the same questions raised by the manosphere—but arrives at very different conclusions. Rather than promoting dominance or status, he emphasises responsibility, self-mastery and service to others. He begins by revisiting the idea of the “gentleman,” exploring its meaning across cultures and within a faith-based framework.
From there, he examines issues that resonate deeply in today’s context: the importance of father–son relationships, the search for authentic identity, and the role of discipline and virtue in shaping character. He reflects on the value of tradition, the purpose of courtesy, and the meaning of true holiness. Importantly, he also addresses failure—not as something to be hidden or denied, but as an integral part of personal and spiritual growth.
The book concludes with a simple but practical “Rule of Life,” encouraging men to strive for virtue, reject mediocrity, treat others with dignity, honour women, and avoid anything that undermines human dignity. In a culture often marked by confusion and contradiction, this clarity may help explain its appeal.
What Guzman offers is not a retreat into the past, but a constructive alternative to the narratives dominating many online spaces. His vision of masculinity is neither aggressive nor passive, but grounded in purpose, responsibility and respect.
The challenges facing young men today are real and complex. The popularity of the manosphere is, in many ways, a symptom of a deeper search for meaning and direction. If we are to respond effectively, it is not enough simply to criticise these movements. We must also offer credible and life-giving alternatives.
In that respect, works like The Catholic Gentleman provide a valuable contribution. They remind us that the question of what it means to be a man cannot be answered by algorithms or influencers alone. It requires something deeper: a sense of purpose, a framework of values, and a vision of life that is both demanding and hopeful.
✠ Fintan Monahan – Bishop of Killaloe
Clare Champion Article, Friday, 1st of May, 2026